Stories by WTTW News

We share what you had to say about the approval of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s 1-percent sales tax increase and CPS Interim CEO Jesse Ruiz’s statements about the CPS budget.

Abena Joan Brown died on Sunday at age 87. She was a pioneer of the African-American theater scene in Chicago and co-founded the ETA Creative Arts Foundation in 1971. We revisit her appearance on WTTW’s Artbeat Chicago program in 1998. During the segment, Brown talks about the early days of starting a theater company.

Interim schools chief Jesse Ruiz joins us to discuss the financial challenges facing the Chicago Public Schools. 

Archbishop Blase Cupich heard prayer requests and offered blessings to inmates Tuesday morning during a private tour of Cook County Jail with Sheriff Tom Dart.

We share what you had to say about our story on TransTech Social Enterprises and the ongoing battle over pensions in Springfield. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists talk about women’s soccer in light of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team winning the World Cup. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Natasha Korecki plays soccer regularly.

We share what you had to say about the troubles of North Chicago school district and how government values education, a lawsuit targeting three suburbs for their alleged lax regulations on gun sales, and what’s keeping Illinois mired in budget woes when we read some of our viewer feedback.

On Wednesday, July 1, the Illinois Senate passed a one-month temporary budget by a vote 37-0. View an interactive graphic of how each senator voted.

On Wednesday, July 1, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to pass a one-month temporary budget by a vote of 67-32. View an interactive graphic of how each representative voted.

Celebrate Independence Day underneath a colorful display of fireworks. Chicago Tonight has your picks for shows in the Chicagoland area on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. 

We share what you had to say about Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed 1 percent sales tax, Chase Bank’s decision to no longer accept pocket change, and the death of Jerry Roper, former president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the Stanley Cup celebration, and the importance of spreading hockey to the South Side. Also, they debate further why contract talks broke down between the Chicago Teachers Union and the Board of Education.